Lichens of Lilly Pond Community Forest
When: Saturday, September 28 from 9am to 11am
Where: Lilly Pond Community Forest in Bath
Join Maine Master Naturalist instructor Jeff Pengel and discover the miniature world of lichens. Lichens are composite organisms which means that they exist in a partnership (‘symbiosis’) consisting of a fungus and an alga that form unusual shapes and structures. Common examples include ‘Old Man’s Beard’ typically found hanging on the bark and branches of our conifers, and several kinds of Reindeer Lichens (often called “reindeer moss”, though they aren’t…). While these organisms often go unnoticed, they occur in abundance and we’ll be able to see many along the trails after a brief introductory presentation. We’ll observe their subtle characteristics and Jeff will explain several aspects of their natural history. Bring a hand lens (and a camera) if you have one and be sure to wear comfortable walking/hiking foot gear.
Jeff Pengel was trained as a botanist and geologist at The University of Akron. He worked briefly as a field geologist. Jeff is a former high school science teacher and taught earth science and biology in an urban Cincinnati Ohio public school. Jeff also worked many seasons as an outdoor educator for Nature's Classroom in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Jeff now volunteers as a naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club at many of their facilities. He is also a Maine Master Naturalist instructor and actively volunteers for that program and at many Maine land trusts. Jeff also surveys rare plants for the New England Wildflower Society.
Let us know you’ll be joining the talk! Sign up using the Google Form below or calling 207-442-8400.
